Hot Flashes, Brain Fog, and Silence? Not Anymore

Catalyst by Wellstar backs Elektra Health to bring menopause care out of the shadows and into the 21st century—where it belongs.

Let’s be honest—when was the last time menopause came up in your doctor’s office? Or at work? Or anywhere outside a whispered conversation with a friend?

Despite affecting half the population, menopause remains one of healthcare’s most overlooked and underfunded stages of life. But that’s changing. Elektra is rewriting the menopause story with virtual, evidence-based care that meets women at home, at work, and through a reimagined healthcare experience.

Catalyst by Wellstar is proud to support this shift, alongside Women’s Health services at Wellstar Health System.

The Problem No One Talks About

There are 50 million women in the U.S. navigating perimenopause or menopause—more than the population of California. Yet fewer than 1 in 5 OB/GYN residency programs offer menopause-specific training. No wonder 70% of women say they’re not getting the care they need.

Symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog, and mood changes don’t just disrupt daily life—they can derail careers, relationships, and long-term health. A recent Mayo Clinic study estimated menopause-related productivity loss at $1.8 billion per year (Mayo, 2021).

And the ripple effects are real. Sleep loss, mood swings, and chronic pain affect not only individuals, but partners, families, and workplaces. Compassionate, personalized care isn’t just about individuals—it strengthens entire support systems.

Wellstar Survey: A Wake-Up Call

In April 2025, Catalyst launched one of the largest menopause surveys of its kind; with input from nearly 1,700 Wellstar patients, the study exposed a significant care and culture gap:

  • 80% of women reported symptoms; only half sought medical help.
  • 1 in 5 were dissatisfied with care, citing lack of personalization.
  • 65% felt menopause isn’t discussed openly—especially at work.
  • Over 90% of men said they need more education, despite 75% knowing someone close going through menopause.
  • 72% of women said they’d use a personalized, insurance-covered digital tool for support.

This is not just a women’s health issue—it’s a community health issue. And the need for stigma-free, accessible care has never been clearer.

The Elektra Solution: Comprehensive, On-Demand Menopause Care

Elektra Health offers a platform with 1-on-1 telehealth care with board-certified-clinicians, lifestyle support from Guides (aka “menopause doulas”), MD-vetted education, and an expert-led community. It’s not just a one-off doctor’s visit—it’s a multi-year journey of evidence-based care, already covered by most health plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.

 Why Catalyst Is Investing in Elektra

For Dr. Hank Capps, EVP, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Wellstar Health System and President of Catalyst by Wellstar, Elektra’s approach is a breakthrough.

“Elektra is meeting women where they are with thoughtful, evidence-based care. They’re not just innovating—they’re helping to shift the cultural narrative,” said Dr. Capps. “This is what reimagining healthcare looks like: bringing humanity, dignity, and expertise to every life stage.”

Clinical Validation from Wellstar Women’s Health

Dr. Paula Greaves, Chief of the Women’s Health Service Line at Wellstar, calls the partnership both timely and essential.

“Menopause—especially perimenopause—can be confusing and debilitating, yet it’s rarely discussed. It affects all women, and yet it remains shrouded in silence,” she said. “That’s why Elektra is so important: it brings real support to women who often feel they’re navigating this phase of life alone. We need to guide our patients with clarity and compassion and ultimately improve health at every level—from the individual to the family to the community. We are proud to partner with Elektra as an additional tool to support our healthcare providers—who are already providing in-person care and education. It will enhance their efforts by offering accessible, expert-driven guidance for women during this challenging stage of life.”

Quote

Elektra brings real support to women who often feel they’re navigating this alone. It’s about guiding them with clarity and compassion and ultimately improving health at every level—from individual to family to community.

Dr. Paula Greaves, Chief of the Women’s Health Service Line at Wellstar

Elektra’s Mission: A Personal, Urgent Shift

For Elektra CEO and co-founder Jannine Versi, this partnership is a chance to create lasting impact.

“From the beginning, Catalyst stood out as deeply collaborative and aligned with our vision. As someone who’s worked across technology, population health, and behavioral health, I believe the future of women’s health must be designed in close collaboration with health systems and clinical leaders. Menopause isn’t just a phase—it’s a multi-decade life stage. It impacts health, productivity, identity, and quality of life.”

She hears it daily from Elektra members—women in their 40s through 70s expressing relief, gratitude, and a sense of finally being seen. “That’s why we do this. To smash the taboos around menopause. To help women live well—not just today, but for the decades ahead. This work is deeply personal.”

The Moment—and the Opportunity

The data is clear. Patients are asking for more support. And stigma continues to stand in the way.

By expanding access to evidence-based, person-centered care, organizations like Elektra—and partners like Catalyst and Wellstar—can improve quality of life for millions. This isn’t just about clinical care. It’s about showing up with solutions that reflect the real lives of the people we serve.

We believe there’s a clear opportunity to help normalize conversations, improve provider training, and make digital tools, community support, and evidence-based care more accessible. Catalyst is proud to explore a future where these elements become not the exception, but the standard.

Because menopause isn’t just a moment in time—it’s the start of a long-overdue movement to break the silence, improve care, and support women more fully.

And we’re here for it.

Teresa Gonzalez
by Teresa Gonzalez

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share this post